The new flagship for Lincoln is a large sedan that shares its platform with the Ford Taurus/Mercury Sable and the Volvo S80.

When we last saw the , it was introduced as a concept at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006. Since then, the car has undergone quite a metamorphosis in both styling and performance.

The MKS concept, which rides on a 114.4-in. wheelbase and measures 203.8 in. overall, is intended as a new flagship for the brand. It replaces the previous front-drive Continental and offers buyer a more modern alternative to the traditional .

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While the chassis remains the same — Ford's global D-platform that also underpins the and (see ) — the powerplant has been revamped. It's now a 270-bhp 3.7-liter V-6 mated to a 6-speed automatic, which promises greater performance than the 315 bhp from the 4.4-liter V-8 shown in the concept. The engine is still transversely mounted and drives all four wheels.

The basic shape of the body is similar to the show car's however, the surfaces and the front end have been extensively reworked under the guidance of Peter Horbury. The production car now sports a new split waterfall grille inspired by late '30s and '40s Lincolns.